At the show were: 1. Sonya Lennon and Tim Ryan; 2. Brendan Courtney and Ruth O’Connor; 3. Valeria Kiyko and Claire O’Sullivan.
Irish knitwear designer Tim Ryan showed his Spring / Summer 2009 collection a few days ago at Tripod nightclub as part of Motorola Dublin Fashion Week. This was Tim's first standalone show in Ireland since he moved to London in 2005 to expand his business, and he was thrilled to be able to return to his native soil to unveil this exciting collection.
Guests were treated to a 'rosé on the rocks' drinks reception on arrival, kindly sponsored by Gallo wine, before getting a first glimpse at Tim's Spring Summer collection. Far from the expected, Tim's designs turn knitwear on its head as they are modern, vibrant and challenge our perceptions of how traditional knits look and feel. The collection captivated the audience with a fleet of stunning and desirable summer knits that are sure to turn heads and are perfect for the confident, style savvy woman that he designs for.
The show, which was produced by Sonya Lennon, the new presenter of Off The Rails, gave Fashion Week attendees a taste of something totally different with models appearing as part of an innovative light box fashion installation.
Commenting on the show, Tim said, "I am really pleased with the response from the audience at the show last night and the feedback on the collection has been brilliant. I only hope that this was the start of many shows to come."
Guests in attendance on the night included John Rocha, his wife Odette and daughter Simone, shoe designer Eileen Shields, who is also Tim's main Dublin stockist in her boutique 5 Scarlet Row, textile designers Helen James and Stephanie Slone and designers Lucy Downes, Joanne Hynes and Eilis Boyle. Also present were Brendan Courtney, new presenter of Off The Rails, Elaine Curtis, Tim's main stockist in her boutique in Carlow, Laura Gannon, who jetted in from London especially, stylist Cathy O' Connor, Harvey Nichols’ Dee Breen, and the founder of Dublin Fashion Week, Sonia Reynolds.
After the show, a select few guests, including handbag designer Pauric Sweeney, continued the celebrations at the luxury Conrad Hotel in Earlsfort Terrace for an intimate after party, where the champagne flowed and guests partied until the small hours.
Tim Ryan was the 2008 recipient of the prestigious John Rocha Bursary in association with Motorola Dublin Fashion Week, which provides an opportunity for designers to receive both financial benefits and the endorsement of John Rocha, one of the most renowned and respected designers in the world. The John Rocha Bursary is highly sought after and it is Tim Ryan's unique ability to create inspirational and wearable designs that has led to this achievement.
